Visitors to Netherfield Lagoons have been lucky enough to witness the stunning murmuration of several thousand starlings over recent weeks.
Mark Glover of the Gedling Conservation Trust, who manages the nature reserve behind Victoria Retail Park, said up to 10,000 starlings are currently nesting at the beauty spot.
He told Gedling Eye: “Many people have already discovered the starlings are back at the Netherfield Lagoons nature reserve.
“They are currently roosting there each night gathering from 4pm and landing by 4.30 pm. Of course, these times are not guaranteed and they might decide to go elsewhere but for now they are providing one of nature’s great spectacles right here in Gedling borough.”
The Trust are also carrying out works to protect the site, which is home to rare birds and plant life.
Mr Gloves said” We are currently engaged with major management work in the reedbeds at the Lagoons.
Reedbeds are a priority habitat under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan classification and the Netherfield lagoons contains the most important example in Gedling and one of the most in the County. The work involves the removal of the shrubs and small trees that have grown up there.
The work is, of course taking place during the hours after the starlings have left in the morning and before returning in the evenings.”
The Netherfield Lagoons site is a designated Local Nature Reserve owned and managed by the local registered charity, the Gedling Conservation Trust.
For more information and background, please get in touch with Mark Glover (07850 768337)
